History of Dogs

A pointing dog with a high tail in a historic painting.
The History and Debate of High Tails Versus Low Tails in Pointing Dogs

The History and Function Behind Pointing Dog Tail Positions Reveal a Deep Divide in Breeding…

A brown Spinone hunting dog stands in a field
Spinone Italiano – Italian Pointing Dog Breed History and Development

The traditional, rough-haired Italian pointing dog overcame difficult odds to become a modern, versatile hunting…

Men walking setters at a dog show in 1899
The History of Dog Shows and Competitions

Although informal dog competitions have likely been around for thousands of years, written records of…

Early painting depicting various types of dogs and their uses.
Breed, Strain, Variety, and Class: How Dog Breeds Got Their Names

This podcast episode explores the history, language, and meaning behind how dog breeds came to…

A pudelpointer on point in a meadow.
Pudelpointer – Dog Breed Form, Function, History, and More

This medium-sized versatile dog breed is known to be friendly, inquisitive, and very social. Until…

Brittany: Breed Characteristics, Abilities, and History

How a little French spaniel developed into an internationally popular versatile hunting dog. Brittanies are…

Golden Retriever Dog Profile: Abilities, Characteristics, and Training

Field goldens are driven, intelligent, and loving, making them fantastic partners in the blind and…

Two American hunters, one with a Pointer and the other with an English Setter.
The Rise of the English Pointer in America

Dog historian Craig Koshyk explores the Pointer’s rise from a lesser-known breed to dominance in…

An illustrated portrait of Edward Laverack
Edward Laverack: the Father of the English Setter

The life and times of Edward Laverack, the man renowned for remodeling the English Setter,…

Historical illustration of the Large Water Spaniel
Water Spaniels – Origins, Development and Modernization

Explore the fascinating history and evolution of water spaniels, from their origins in the British…

a painting of dogs believed to have been russian setters
The Russian Setter

Explore the history and story of a curious dog breed that never was. Sprinkled here…

A Standard Poodle trained for hunting
Standard Poodle – Hunting Dog Breed

Think Poodles are just for show? Think again! Dive into the world of Poodles as…

a Stichelhaar or German Rough Haired Pointer
Stichelhaar – German Rough Haired Pointer: Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, and History

The Stichelhaar (German Rough Haired Pointer) is a rough-and-tumble hunting dog that is probably the…

Craig Koshyk, Dog Historian in the field
Dog Willing – Craig Koshyk the Dog Historian of a Generation

The history of hunting dogs is preserved in the iconic Pointing Dog volumes thanks to…

A Weimaraner in a field
Weimaraner – Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, History, and More

Weimaraners are a medium to large pointing dog breed that are tireless, cooperative workers and…

A Hungarian Vizsla holds an intense point while hunting
Vizsla: Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, History, and More

The Hungarian Vizsla is a Medium-sized pointing dog breed with an energetic, affectionate, eager-to-please personality…

A Drahthaar retrieves a hare in Germany
Drahthaars, Langhaars, Bretons, and other International Breeds in America: HDC Episode #32

Is there a difference between a Deutsch Drahthaar and a German Wirehaired Pointer? Explore breeds…

A dog trainer works on pointing steadiness with a German Shorthaired Pointer
The Modern Era of Bird Dogs in North America: HDC Episode #31

The modern era of hunting dogs is characterized by technology and information, making new breeds…

Deer Shooting historic hunting dog artwork
The Golden Age of Hunting Dogs in North America: HDC Episode #30

As dog shows and field trials became popular, 19th-century Americans looked to standardize the breeding…

German Shorthaired Pointer on point.
Origins of the German Shorthaired Pointer

From Spanish Pointers to English Pointers, a dog historian explores the complex history and origins…

A beagle stands with its owner before a hare hunt.
New Hampshire Beagle Clubs in the Crosshairs as State House Pushes Bill to Ban Live Snowshoe Hare Trapping

Though New Hampshire was home to another legislative push by anti-hunting advocates, HB 1308 has…